AUDITIONS - SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Welcome to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra's Auditions Page. 

We are thrilled to have Rafael Payare as our Music Director. Thank you for considering an audition for our orchestra!

The following auditions are announced:

Fourth Horn

Auditions to be held November 3-4, 2025.

Follow this link for full audition repertoire list.

Application Deadline is September 29, 2025.

Cancellation Deadline is October 17, 2025.

*****************************************

Section Percussion

Auditions to be held November 9-11, 2025.

Repertoire will be posted when available

Application Deadline is October 6, 2025.

Cancellation Deadline is October 24, 2025.

*****************************************

---

To Apply for Any Current Audition:

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO APPLY FOR AN AUDITION

A complete audition application must include:

• Online Application
• Resumé (Submitted via application form)
• Refundable Audition Deposit (further details provided on application)

Applications and deposit checks must be received by the published application deadline. Please do not mail any applications. All candidates that submit a completed application will receive an audition time.

Musicians with diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences are encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the audition process, please email: auditions@sandiegosymphony.org.

Sheet Music 

Below are two sources when looking for public domain sheet music:

• Educational Music Service (www.emsmusic.com)
• Kalmus (www.efkalmus.com)

Musician Employment

Employment is intended to begin January 2026, subject to availability.

The current San Diego Symphony Orchestra CBA states the following for the 2025-2026 Season:

• 42 Week Contract: 37 playing weeks plus 5 vacation weeks. 
• Minimum Annual Scale is $106,070 plus $3,000 Electronic Media Guarantee.
• Overscale for Principals: 33.5%.
• Overscale for Associate Principals: 20%.
• Benefits include: medical and dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, instrument insurance and a pension plan contribution.

---

The San Diego Symphony encourages applications from persons of all backgrounds,
and all applicants will be invited to audition without shortlisting.

---

SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY IS PROUD TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 

 

 

AND